Orally delivered immune-modulating probiotic for rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: A Novel Immune-modulating Probiotic for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funded at Virtici, LLC · NIH-11253459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new oral therapy using a probiotic approach aims to help people with rheumatoid arthritis achieve long-term remission.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virtici, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 13, 2026 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $300,222 |
| NIH project number | 1R44AI188778-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11253459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who have inadequate response to current therapies and are eligible for early-stage immunotherapy trials.
✕Less likely to help
People without RA or those not suitable for early immunotherapeutic approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project seeks to bring VTC-L35, an oral immunotherapy, from development toward commercialization for rheumatoid arthritis. The approach focuses on reshaping the immune system to tolerate self-antigens and reduce ongoing inflammation, with the goal of long-term disease control. The study will explore safety, feasibility, and preliminary signs of effectiveness in people with RA, using regulatory and translational steps typical for a new biologic/biologic-like therapy. If successful, it could offer an alternative to chronic biologic therapies that carry infection risks and high costs. The work is being conducted by VIRTICI, LLC in Seattle under an NIH grant aimed at advancing patient-centered autoimmune treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with rheumatoid arthritis could achieve longer remission and potentially reduce reliance on frequent biologic therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior approaches targeting immune tolerance in RA have shown promise in early stages, supporting a potential path forward for this strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Virtici, LLC
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fanger, Neil a — Virtici, LLC
- Study coordinator: Fanger, Neil a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.